Where do I begin?
Before you can become a volunteer at The Royal Marsden, Chelsea, we like to match your skills and expertise with the roles we have available. It can take anything up to three months to complete the process. There are factors which we cannot control, such as DBS and health checks as well as references and training which have to be done before you can actually begin volunteering.
What do we look for in a volunteer?
- You are over 18 years old and two years out of treatment if you have been a patient at the hospital.
- You have not recently been bereaved. We recommend that you defer your application to volunteer if you have been bereaved in the last two years.
- You are able to commit to volunteering at least three hours per week for a minimum of one year.
- You are mature in outlook, friendly and be able to show kindness and consideration to others at all times when volunteering.
- You must adhere to the volunteer code.
- You agree to pay a minimum of £10 p/a as an annual subscription to be a member of the Friends.
How do I apply?
We recommend that you contact our office on 020 7352 3875 for an informal chat before you fill in any detailed forms, as follows:
friends.chelsea@rmh.nhs.uk
or
Friends Office
Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea
London SW3 6JJ
We will always do our best to match you with a suitable role in the hospital. If you have a preference for working in a particular department please do let us know. It is worth noting, however, that roles which involve direct contact with patients are very popular and as such are usually given to more experienced volunteers.
What happens next?
Volunteer Application
If we feel we have a role which might suit you, we will send you an Information pack and invite you to attend an interview at the hospital.
STAGE 1 - Interview
When you come along to your first interview, you will need to bring your Passport plus the following completed forms:
STAGE 2 - References
Following interview and, provided we have a suitable role for you, we will follow up with two personal references and, subject to these being satisfactory, will ask you to complete the following:
On completion of the OHQ you will need to return it to us. We will then ask you to contact OH direct, to arrange a health check where you will be asked for evidence of your vaccine history (if you have it). Otherwise, you maybe offered a blood test.
An Online DBS link will be sent to you and on completion, a reference ID number will be generated (this can take up to a week). On receipt of this, you will need to email the Friends' office your unique reference number so that we can notify the hospital so as to further your application. This may take several weeks.
STAGE 3 - DBS Documentation
You will need to pop into the office with an original copy of two of the following as proof of identity and address:
FINAL STAGE
The final stage of the process is when your role is confirmed. You will receive a formal letter of invitation plus a copy of the Volunteer Code. A copy of the Dress Code and the Friends' Objects & Rules will also be given to you. We will also arrange for you to receive your NHS ID Access Badge and your Name badge. You will be given contact details for the head of your department who will arrange any required departmental induction training in addition to which we will arrange a suitable date for you to attend a Trust Induction and/or Food and Safety Course (as applicable). You will also be given a a copy of the Volunteers Workbook for you to complete on an ongoing basis.
Once all the above is compete you will be fully fledged member of the volunteer team for the Friends of The Royal Marsden, Chelsea. Congratulations.
If we feel we have a role which might suit you, we will send you an Information pack and invite you to attend an interview at the hospital.
STAGE 1 - Interview
When you come along to your first interview, you will need to bring your Passport plus the following completed forms:
- Volunteer Application Form
- Membership Form
- Gift Aid Declaration Form (if appropriate)
- Standing Order Mandate (please do not date this until DBS checks are completed in stage 4).
STAGE 2 - References
Following interview and, provided we have a suitable role for you, we will follow up with two personal references and, subject to these being satisfactory, will ask you to complete the following:
- Occupational Health Questionnaire (OHQ)
- Online DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Form
On completion of the OHQ you will need to return it to us. We will then ask you to contact OH direct, to arrange a health check where you will be asked for evidence of your vaccine history (if you have it). Otherwise, you maybe offered a blood test.
An Online DBS link will be sent to you and on completion, a reference ID number will be generated (this can take up to a week). On receipt of this, you will need to email the Friends' office your unique reference number so that we can notify the hospital so as to further your application. This may take several weeks.
STAGE 3 - DBS Documentation
You will need to pop into the office with an original copy of two of the following as proof of identity and address:
- Bank or Credit card statement (no more than two months old)
- Utility Bill (no more than two months old)
- Driving Licence
- National Insurance Number
FINAL STAGE
The final stage of the process is when your role is confirmed. You will receive a formal letter of invitation plus a copy of the Volunteer Code. A copy of the Dress Code and the Friends' Objects & Rules will also be given to you. We will also arrange for you to receive your NHS ID Access Badge and your Name badge. You will be given contact details for the head of your department who will arrange any required departmental induction training in addition to which we will arrange a suitable date for you to attend a Trust Induction and/or Food and Safety Course (as applicable). You will also be given a a copy of the Volunteers Workbook for you to complete on an ongoing basis.
Once all the above is compete you will be fully fledged member of the volunteer team for the Friends of The Royal Marsden, Chelsea. Congratulations.
